March 18, 2024
Do you know there is a princess who lives in Palatine? She is very calm and gentle, and her favorite food is mini-milk bones. She loves to visit patients at the hospital and children in school. Princess Maxine of Palatine is a Shetland Sheepdog who is almost seven. Maxine and her four-year-old “brother” Tyrone are therapy dogs.
Their owner, Terry Meinke of Palatine said “This is the only thing I have ever done that is a win, win, win. A win for the patient who gets a break from being ill, a win for the dog who gets a lot of petting and attention, and a win for me because when I leave the patient’s room, I see them with a smile on their face and I know I made a difference in someone’s life even if it was only for a few minutes.”
Meinke said she experienced the healing power of dogs when she was critically ill 15 years ago. When she came home from her surgeries and treatments, her dog was always there for her. “I think he saved me because I was ready to give up, but he was always there for me giving me attention and loving me,” she said.
When Maxine and Tyrone are not working, they enjoy attending the dog events at Palatine Park District. Next on their schedule is Hound Egg Hunt, Saturday, March 23 at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater.
Dogs receive a photo with the Bunny, treats, and a raffle entry. All dogs must be on a non-retractable leash and wear a current rabies tag. The fee is $10 per dog plus one person. Additional people are $1 each. Small dogs start the hunt at 10:00am with large dogs following at 11:00am. Registration deadline is Friday, March 22 at 4:00pm. Lisa Schroeder, Palatine Park District Special Interest Coordinator, said “1000 plastic eggs are stuffed with enticing treats each year.”
Hound Egg Hunt is brought to you by Presenting sponsor Golf Rose Animal Services, who is also the exclusive sponsor of the Palatine Park District’s Dog Park, located next to Plum Grove Reservoir on the Harper College Campus. Other Hound Egg Hunt sponsors include A Closer Bond, Craft Collective, and Sue Gould, Broker, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices.
According to Marianna Uriostegui, the District’s Community Outreach Coordinator, the sponsorships provide more opportunities for the community. “The sponsors provide participants with an enhanced experience like treats and toys to take home and information about dog-centered services and events,” she explained. “It shows the sponsors are willing to get involved in their community and make a positive impact on people and pets.”
Meinke said it is very important that dogs socialize with other people and dogs. “Because there are usually lots of people and dogs at these events, it gives you a chance to get your dog more comfortable with large groups and with individuals other than yourself,” she said. “The better socialized your dog is the easier it will be for them to handle difficult situations that may occur in the future.”
In addition to Hound Egg Hunt, the District offers Canine Carnival, Howl-O-Ween, and Santa Paws. “All of these events are fabulous, and we love the photos with the Easter Bunny, Santa and others,” Meinke said. “We love Palatine because of these events and will never leave this town.”
